Railbookers expands to South Africa with luxury train trips

Railbookers has added South Africa to its destination portfolio with 15 itineraries featuring journeys with luxury operators The Blue Train and Rovos Rail.

The train trips range from nine to 20 days and follow rising demand for luxury holidays in the country, according to the train specialist.

Included activities as part of the new itineraries are safari trips to see the Big Five in Kruger National Park, wine tastings, and excursions to gem mines, as well as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Accommodation, as well as that on board the train, is all five-star and departures are valid from now up to two years ahead.

A nine-day trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town on the Blue Train costs from £3,599 and includes private day trips to Franschhoek, including wine tastings, and Cape Peninsula, including Kirstenbosch, and a trip to the Railway Museum and Open Mine Museum in Kimberley.

The price includes two nights in a hotel in Johannesburg, including a one-day city tour; two nights in a deluxe suite on board The Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town, including all food, drinks and excursions; and four nights in a hotel in Cape Town, including a half-day city tour.

Jim Marini, senior vice president of strategic partnerships, Railbookers, said: “We’re seeing rising demand for luxury rail holiday solutions to South Africa.

“Our product team has come up with the most comprehensive selection of luxury train departures including the quintessential South African activities and destinations.”

The move means Railbookers now offers independent holidays in five continents worldwide, from Scandinavia to Australia and eastern Asia to the US.